What Every Driver Must Know
Avoid Hesitation:
Hesitation on the road can confuse other drivers and lead to unsafe situations.
Make decisions promptly and with confidence, considering safety and traffic rules.
You are not invisible in your car.
People act a certain way when driving because it feels as if you're anonymous in your car.
While inside your car, you might feel anonymous, but your driving behavior impacts others.
You are driving a machine that weighs thousand of pounds and can easily end a life: Your driving impacts others!
Yield Right of Way Correctly:
Yielding right of way is a crucial part of safe driving, but it should follow traffic rules, not personal politeness.
Prioritize following the established order of right-of-way to prevent confusion and accidents.
Predictable Driving:
Predictability reduces uncertainty on the road and helps others anticipate your actions.
Signal early and consistently before turning, changing lanes, or stopping.
Consistent Speed:
Maintain a consistent speed to avoid causing disruptions in traffic flow.
Abruptly slowing down or speeding up can lead to confusion and rear-end collisions.
Use Turn Signals:
Turn signals indicate your intentions to other drivers, promoting smoother traffic flow.
Always signal before turning, changing lanes, or merging.
Merge Efficiently:
When merging onto a highway, match your speed with the flow of traffic.
Use the merge lane to build up speed before merging smoothly.
Do not pass cars waiting to exist to cut the line and merge ahead of them.
Respect Traffic Signals:
Follow traffic signals and signs diligently, even when no other vehicles are around.
This ensures a safe and predictable driving environment.
Avoid Unnecessary Stops:
Unnecessarily stopping or slowing down without reason can disrupt traffic flow.
If there's no obstruction or need to stop, maintain a steady pace.
Don't ride your brakes, let your car coast forward once you're at a safe speed and distance from other cars.
Be Consistent in Lane Choice:
Frequent lane changes without valid reasons can cause confusion and congestion.
Choose a lane that aligns with your intended route and stick with it.
Be Mindful of Intersection Etiquette:
Obey the right-of-way rules at intersections to prevent confusion and collisions.
Yield when necessary, but don't yield excessively, as this can lead to confusion.
Avoid Unpredictable Maneuvers:
Sudden lane changes, U-turns, and abrupt braking can catch others off guard.
Plan and execute maneuvers predictably to maintain traffic flow.
Focus on Safe Driving, Not Over-Politeness:
Prioritize safety over being overly polite on the road.
Following traffic rules and driving predictably contribute more to a safe environment.
Don't stop in middle of the road to let someone enter, they will do so as soon as traffic passes.
Adapt to Traffic Conditions:
Adjust your driving style to match traffic conditions, whether heavy or light.
Staying consistent with the flow helps prevent bottlenecks and accidents.
Caution When Picking Up Hitchhikers:
Picking up hitchhikers involves risks. Assess your comfort level and prioritize personal safety.
If you choose to pick up a hitchhiker, do so in well-lit, public areas and remain cautious.
Do not block traffic when picking up hitchhikers. Do not force others to enter oncoming traffic.
Be Mindful of Missing Exits/Turns:
Missing exits or turns can be frustrating and disrupt traffic flow.
Stay attentive to road signs and use navigation tools to avoid last-minute maneuvers.
Approach Roundabouts Properly:
Slow down as you approach a roundabout and yield to traffic already inside.
Enter the roundabout only when there's a safe gap, and always go counter-clockwise.
Use your turn signals to indicate your exit, enhancing predictability for other drivers.
Turning Right on Red:
In most places, you can turn right on a red light after a complete stop, if there's no oncoming traffic or pedestrian crosswalk.
Check carefully for signs indicating "No Turn on Red" and be cautious of pedestrians.
Approach and Handle Four-Way Stop Sign Intersection:
When you and other vehicles arrive at a four-way stop sign, the first vehicle to stop is the first to proceed.
If two vehicles stop simultaneously, the vehicle to the right has the right-of-way.
Yield to pedestrians and cyclists before proceeding, and always communicate with turn signals.
Stay Vigilant in Parking Lots:
Parking lots are dynamic environments with pedestrians, shopping carts, and reversing vehicles.
Drive slowly, be aware of your surroundings, and yield to pedestrians.
Use your mirrors and check blind spots before backing out of a parking space.
Maintain Proper Following Distance:
Keep a safe following distance, especially in adverse weather conditions.
The 3-second rule (or more, in challenging conditions) helps prevent rear-end collisions.
Allow ample space to react to sudden stops or obstacles.
Avoid Left Lane Camping on Highways:
The left lane (often referred to as the "fast lane") on highways is meant for passing and overtaking slower vehicles.
If you're not actively passing slower traffic, move back to the right lanes to maintain smoother traffic flow.
Blocking the left lane can lead to congestion, frustration, and potentially unsafe driving behavior from other motorists.
Use High Beams Responsibly:
High beams are essential for improved visibility at night, but use them judiciously.
Dim your high beams when approaching or following other vehicles to prevent blinding fellow drivers.
New LED headlights are especially bright and you must use them with caution; avoid blinding other drivers.